"Howells just doesn't care"

Two letters regarding our campaign can be found in this week's edition of the Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer. Both refer to Dr Kim Howells MP.

One, from Bob Humphreys in Rhydfelin, voiced surprise at how Dr Howells met campaigners from our town because "it's Labour MPs like Dr Howells who have consistently supported Government policies in Parliament."

The other letter, headlined "Howells just doesn't care" was written by Jean Henderson of Heol-y-Soun, Llantrisant.

It reads as follows: "The very strong fight against Post Office closures was taken seriously by the community.

"However, how about Kim Howells who represents Pontypridd but, perhaps, not Llantrisant?

"I believe he already knew the outcome when we went to meet him in the Commons at Westminster. He appeared to give little support to Postwatch, who are supposed to be independent.

"The reason? Labour political expediency of course! Kim Howells had a 20,000 majority of votes in the last election. So why bother?

"The two post offices saved from closure were in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the MP has a tiny majority.

"To add insult to injury the Post Office has been renamed the People's Post Office - how cynical can this Government get? Determined to destroy post offices to 'save money', but willing to spend a vast sum rebranding them and paying lip service to the fact that post offices are valuable to people."

By coincidence I received an e-mail from Dr Howells' office today.

A message, from Christine Raybould, read: "Just to let you know that Dr Howells has received the attached acknowledgement letter from Michele Graves, Executive Correspondence Manager for Post Office Ltd, who has responded on behalf of Allan Leighton, Chair of the Royal Mail Group.

"Dr Howells will let you have sight of the full reply when he receives it."